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Photo courtesy City of Richmond
Power of the volunteer
Published 4:30 PDT, Thu March 17, 2022
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People power is needed now more than ever. Richmondites have always stepped up and volunteered when they are needed. They work at YVR International Airport helping people find their way; they work at the seniors centre, at community events, on community committees, shovelling snow, driving cancer patients and so much more.
Richmond is a better city because of the caring and compassion that we show each other and now we need to go beyond the city limits and help others. The citizens of Ukraine need our help now. We can donate money, clothes and our expertise. I attended the rally and march at City Hall on March 6 and we all enthusiastically chanted, “Stand with Ukraine”. Soon Ukrainian refugees will arrive in Canada and the families will need housing and essentials. We can host fundraisers, donate clothes, toys or what ever is needed.
So many of us have families that came from another part of the world and we know how hard it is to settle in a new country.
As the daughter of Danish immigrants who lived through World War II, I have heard the stories of what it was like to live in a occupied country. Watching soldiers buy up all the food while they stood in long lines, only to be told there was nothing left when they finally reached the store was a horrible experience. Making homemade bombs to scare their aggressors and help with the resistance was their focus everyday. Trying to live a normal life while friends who disobeyed the curfew where shot in the street was a major challenge.
The Danish King was a true leader telling his people that even though Denmark was occupied they would be raising the Danish flag every morning. He was told that any soldier that raised the flag would be shot. The King then informed the General that the soldier raising the flag each morning would be him so they did not dare to follow through with the threat. The King also rode his horse through the streets each day to raise morale in Copenhagen.
The City of Richmond raised the Ukraine flag when we learned about the invasion and offered support to the Ukrainian people. I encourage the citizens of Richmond to volunteer in a way that suits your lifestyle. You will find the experience extremely fulfilling.
Under Council’s strategic plan, we focus on many priorities including “One Community Together”, and a “Safe and Resilient City”. With our collective resources, let’s all welcome new arrivals to Richmond and offer the many support networks already in place. A critical piece of this network is volunteers. Let’s show the world we care and step up and donate our time as well as resources.
The Power of the People will again be the key.
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